ACCESS Academies 10th Annual Celebration Dinner

Please join us as we celebrate our graduates and their achievements at the ACCESS Academies 10th Annual Celebration Dinner to be held Wednesday, June 6, 2018, from 6 PM – 9 PM, at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis.

Since our inception, ACCESS has partnered with urban middle schools to propel students into high school and onto college and career success. Currently, 99% of our students are first-generation, college-bound learners; 98% are minorities, and 96% qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Thankfully, due to the generosity of our donors, our students’ academic drive, and our program’s multi-year commitment of enrichment, guidance counseling, and scholarships, 98% of our students have been accepted to private, college-prep high schools; 99% graduate from high school on-time; and 96% are accepted to colleges, universities, or other post-secondary institutions.

To order tickets and/or tables online, please click the appropriate box below. Kindly RSVP by May 18, 2018. If you are unable to attend the Scholarship Dinner and still wish to support the Scholarship Fund, you can make an individual donation below.

To order tickets or donate by mail, please send a check made payable to “ACCESS Academies” and notate “Dinner Scholarship Fund.” Our address is 3500 Lindell Blvd., Fitzgerald Hall – Room 211, St. Louis, MO 63103. For a copy of the Save the Date, please click here. For additional questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

]]>https://accessacademies.org/dinner/feed/0Graduate of Achievement: Maria D.https://accessacademies.org/graduate-of-achievement-maria-d/
https://accessacademies.org/graduate-of-achievement-maria-d/#respondWed, 28 Feb 2018 14:58:04 +0000https://accessacademies.org/?p=4216Read More »]]>We are thrilled to recognize Maria D., a junior at Ursuline Academy, as a Graduate of Achievement!

After graduating from our Academy program at St. Cecilia, Maria wanted to attend an all-girls high school that would challenge her and expand her horizons, and was accepted to Ursuline, a nationally-recognized school of excellence.

To ensure that the school was and is a good fit for Maria, Mrs. Heidi Klosterman, her Graduate Support Director, visits often.

“Heidi is very attentive and always makes sure we are putting forth our best effort and doing well on our grades. It helps motivate me,” said Maria.

The challenging academic environment at Ursuline also taught Maria the importance of staying on top of her work and grades. She advises any prospective freshmen not to slack off in their studies.

“I wasn’t unprepared for Ursuline but wasn’t prepared enough to take on the amount of homework that I have. I didn’t realize how important it was to have a 4.0 my first year to maintain a cumulative GPA high enough to earn the Ursuline Scholars Award. At the end of my freshman year, I had a 3.6 GPA and wanted the white sweater,” she said.

Proudly, during her sophomore year, Maria was awarded First Honors for both the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters, and was presented the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence for achieving a GPA of 4.0 or higher for both semesters. This year, she was awarded First Honors for the Fall 2017 semester and look forward to seeing her achievements this semester. We believe she is well on her way to earning the Ursuline Scholars Award.

Maria is also active in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Project USS, a club that helps raise funds for students who need financial aid, and Posse, a club that helps encourage school spirit by making posters for games and cheering in the stands.

After graduating high school, Maria hopes to attend Washington University, St. Louis University, or the University of Missouri – Kansas City to study neuroscience and pre-med.

“I find the brain fascinating, and don’t think many people realize how important it is, especially if it shuts off. I have heard a lot about tumors lately and want to help people,” Maria added.

We are beyond excited for Maria and will continue sharing updates on her achievements!

ST. LOUIS, MO. February 23, 2018 – ACCESS Academies is thrilled to welcome Gus Gast, a partner at Moneta Group Investment Advisors, as the newest member of our governing board.

“Gus will be a strong addition to our Board of Directors. He is an accomplished businessman, bringing decades of business strategy and management experience to our organization,” said Tom Mackowiak, Executive Director of ACCESS Academies.

Gast has worked at Moneta Group since 2002, providing financial advice on a broad range of topics including retirement planning, estate planning, philanthropy, risk management, investment management, income tax planning, employer benefits planning, education funding and business issues. Previously, he served as the Vice President – Finance for Financial Settlement Matrix and Max Broadcasting Network, two start-ups; Vice President- Treasurer for Thermadyne; and Audit Manager for Price Waterhouse, now PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Gast earned his B.S. in Accountancy from the University of Illinois and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.

As a board member, Gast will work with other board members to oversee the strategic growth of the organization, including the launch of the ACCESS’ programs within a school in East St. Louis and enhancing the Graduate Support Program by adding college and career counseling and support services.

Since 2005, ACCESS has partnered with middle schools serving high-poverty populations to propel low-income, first-generation students from middle school into college and career success through a multi-year commitment of enrichment, guidance counseling, and scholarships. Academies are currently located in Most Holy Trinity Catholic School & Academy; St. Cecilia School & Academy; and St. Louis Catholic Academy. ACCESS is also laying the groundwork to open their Academy program at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis this Fall.

To date, ACCESS has impacted more than 1,100 disadvantaged students in the St. Louis region. Ninety-eight percent of its graduates have been accepted to private, college-prep high schools; 99 percent graduate on-time; and 96 percent are accepted to college or other post-secondary institutions.

For more information regarding this release, please contact Julie Linder, Public Relations for ACCESS Academies, by calling (573) 268-0639 or emailing Julie.Linder@ACCESSacademies.org.

We are thrilled to recognize Leslie G., an eighth-grader at St. Cecilia School & Academy, as a Student of Achievement!

According to Mr. David Hackett, her Graduate Support Counselor, Leslie is “an incredibly bright student and strong critical thinker. She has a strong work ethic and is a leader among her peers; this past semester Leslie excelled in her studies, achieving a near perfect GPA.”

Leslie, who is a member of St. Cecilia’s Student Council, has been accepted into Villa Duchesne.

***

Favorite Teacher: “Mrs. Beyer because she wanted us to be overachievers. If we were assigned 15 facts then she wanted us to do more. She always wanted us to do our best and pushed us harder.”

Favorite Academy Program: “Study Hall because it helps me complete my homework so I don’t have to do it at home. I also like having time to talk with my teachers. Sometimes I have math homework and it helps me having the extra time to ask questions.”

Career Aspirations: “I want to become a crime scene investigator. I find it very interesting and it is a great way to help people.”

Role Model: Michelle Obama because she is a leader, very outgoing. She is her own person and I like how she helps young women around the world.

]]>https://accessacademies.org/student-of-achievement-leslie-g/feed/0Student of Achievement: Joachim F.https://accessacademies.org/student-of-achievement-joachim-f/
https://accessacademies.org/student-of-achievement-joachim-f/#respondFri, 09 Feb 2018 18:17:04 +0000https://accessacademies.org/?p=4090Read More »]]>ACCESS Academies is thrilled to recognize Joachim F., an eighth-grader at St. Louis Catholic Academy, as a Student of Achievement!

According to Ms. Joslyn Sandford, Joachim’s Graduate Support Director, he “definitely marches to his own beat and isn’t afraid to try new things. He is open to accepting any challenges especially if it’s to better himself. He takes the initiative to motivate his class to be the leaders of the school.”

A student at the school since 5th grade, Joachim is a talented artist and is very interested in animation. He aspires to become a game designer, graphic artist or an author of comic books.

***

Current Homeroom Teacher: Mr. Peter Jones

Favorite Teacher: One of the best teachers I have ever had is Miss. McBride, my preschool teacher.

Favorite Subject: Language Arts, because I like reading. I just finished reading Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods.

Current Academy Programs: Young Professionals, 4H Leadership, Robotics, Man Up, and High School Prep.

Favorite Academy Program: I like High School Prep because I like being prepared and it is helping us get ready for high school. Last semester I had to choose three of my favorite high schools and share what I liked about the high schools and why I felt they would be good choices for me.

Fondest Memory of School (So Far): Recently, my classmates and I went on a retreat and met the REAP Team. It was a lot of fun. We watched skits, did group activities, and talked about real-life situations.

What are you looking Forward To: I run the short distance and am looking forward to joining the track team in high school.

Prospective High Schools: I am hoping to attend John Burroughs, Chaminade, or Ladue High Schools.

RoleModel: My dad is my role model because every time I do wrong he teaches me right. He is always there for me.

Before joining ACCESS, Peg served as the Mothers’ Club President and Co-Chair for the Bonne Chance Auction for Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School; the Chair of Ste. Genevieve du Bois Parish’s annual Fundraiser; and sub-committee member for the Annual Catholic Appeal Council.

In addition to her wealth of experience coordinating philanthropic efforts, Lord served as a Special Projects Manager for Merisant Co. and Guest Relations Manager- Agricultural Sector for Monsanto. Peg received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Louis University.

For more information, please contact Julie Linder, Public Relations for ACCESS Academies, by calling (573) 268-0639 or emailing Julie.Linder@ACCESSacademies.org.

***

Since 2005, ACCESS has partnered with middle schools serving high-poverty populations to open Academies promoting a robust curriculum, homework assistance, service projects, and enrichment through extended school day and school year programming. ACCESS also provides a school-based Graduate Support Director who works directly with students and their families all seven years of their educational journey, from middle school, through high school, and into college. Services include mentoring, advocacy, counseling, and more. Academies are currently located in Most Holy Trinity School & Academy; St. Cecilia School & Academy; and St. Louis Catholic Academy. ACCESS is also laying the groundwork to open a new Academy at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis next year.

To date, ACCESS has served more than 1,100 disadvantaged students in the St. Louis region. Ninety-eight percent of its graduates have been accepted to private, college-prep high schools; 99 percent graduate on-time; and 96 percent are accepted to college or other post-secondary institutions.

]]>https://accessacademies.org/access-welcomes-peg-lord/feed/0Connecting with Career Professionalshttps://accessacademies.org/connecting-with-career-professionals/
https://accessacademies.org/connecting-with-career-professionals/#respondMon, 22 Jan 2018 18:10:44 +0000https://accessacademies.org/?p=4076Read More »]]>ACCESS is thrilled to welcome current and future business experts for a speaker series called “Connecting with Career Professionals.”

Offered during our ACCESS Academies Young Professionals program, “Connecting with Career Professionals” helps students make the connection from school to work by inviting speakers to discuss their careers, their educational backgrounds, and their future aspirations. Below is the calendar of invited speakers for the series.

January 23
Paris Forest, Boeing, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic School & Academy

– Learn about personal banking and explore options for paying for college

– Study and practice professional etiquette

The ACCESS Academies Young Professionals curriculum is taught by Ms. Catherine Nkonge and is aligned with grades 6-8 Common Core State Standards and the American School Counselor Association National Standards for Students. To learn more, please contact Tom Mackowiak, Executive Director, by calling (314) 898-0430.

We are thrilled to recognize Shayla D., a senior at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School, as a Graduate of Achievement!

According to Ms. Joslyn Sandford, Shayla’s Graduate Support Director, she is “a perfect example for student-athletes. She maintains a 3.5 or higher g.p.a. and excels on the track. She has set the path for her younger sisters to follow and they definitely look up to her!”

***

Experience at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School: Cardinal Ritter is a fun school. It has a lively environment. Everyone has a friend there and you form close relationships with your teachers.

Fondest Memory of School: I like the funny moments I have with my friends. The goofy moments at basketball games, track meets and football games. I am going to miss it. I am looking forward to prom.

Favorite Subject: Science because it has gotten more interesting and hands-on in high school. We are getting ready to dissect something in my Genetics class.

What ACCESS Means to Me: Ms. Joslyn (my Graduate Support Director) is always checking up on me and making sure I am on track. She helped me find tutors and prepare for the ACT. I am now part of the Work-Study program and it is teaching me responsibility and I have fun helping the younger kids. The tuition scholarship is also very helpful.

Prospective Colleges: I am looking at historically black colleges and universities. I have been accepted to Tennessee State University and Alabama A&M. However, I have not made a decision yet and am still applying to colleges.

Aspirations: I would like to study biology or physical therapy. As an athlete, I am interested in the form and function of a body.

Role Model: Brittney, my big cousin. She went to school at Alabama A&M on a full-ride scholarship and graduated. She now has a good job as a nurse, is married, and living the good life. She has always been very focused on what she wants to do.

]]>https://accessacademies.org/graduate-of-achievement-shayla-d/feed/0Graduate of Achievement: Kendall M.H.https://accessacademies.org/graduate-of-achievement-kendall-m-h/
https://accessacademies.org/graduate-of-achievement-kendall-m-h/#respondMon, 01 Jan 2018 18:53:17 +0000https://accessacademies.org/?p=4051Read More »]]>We are thrilled to recognize Kendall M.H., an alumna of Lutheran North, as a Graduate of Achievement!

“Kendall is everything ACCESS embodies and takes full advantage of all the programs ACCESS offers. She graduated high school early due to her focus on academics. She is all about service and helping the younger students succeed at the high school level,” said Nick McDowell, her Graduate Support Director.

***

Favorite Teacher: My former teacher, Mrs. Dixon, because she helped my passion for poetry flow out of me. I took her Creative Writing class and learned how to write poems. I enjoyed it so much it became a creative outlet for me to express my feelings. I also remember the day I found out my brother-in-law passed away and she hugged me. I never thought a teacher would show such compassion. She truly cared for me and wanted the best for me.

Favorite Subject: Math because it comes easily to me. I remember in fourth grade going up against the smartest kid in my class and beating the student at multiplication. I also love English. Over the summer we were required to read “The Hate U Give” and when we returned to school we had to write a paper about it. I felt like I was meant to write the paper.

Favorite Academy Program: Mr. Cherry at Most Holy Trinity had us work on advanced Math problems often so we were ahead and high school was easier.

Fondest Memory of School: The day I shadowed Most Holy Trinity Catholic School & Academy. They were trying to put together a Step Team and had everyone standing in line to practice. Donavan was trying to get us all together to learn and I remember having fun and feeling welcome.

Hobbies: I work at the Missouri History Museum and research, write, and perform plays on Saturdays. Currently, we are researching more scenes to add to our current play “Teens Make History.”

Prospective College: I would like to attend Fontbonne University. Recently, ACCESS hosted a campus visit, and I was able to talk with the admissions office. I would like to double major in business and early childhood education with a double minor in mathematics and communication arts.

Career Aspirations: I would like to become an early childhood educator. I also have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and public speaker. I met and talked with Tony Thompson, who inspired me to go for it.

Role Model: My older sister, Siane, is my role model. Over the past two years, she has lost two people but continues to persevere. She uses the pain to move forward and get done what needs to be done and shows me what a strong woman should be.

We are thrilled to recognize Avion B., an eighth-grader at Most Holy Trinity School & Academy, as a Student of Achievement!

According to Mr. Nick McDowell, Avion’s Graduate Support Director, he is “a great leader amongst his peers. He has strong academics and is a great role model for the younger students.”

Avion, who has attended Most Holy Trinity School & Academy since the second grade, said the key to success is doing your work on time.

Favorite Teacher: My third-grade teacher, Ms. Leto. Third grade was a lot of fun because we did a lot of activities, like making dirt cups in science. I also remember making gingerbread cookies and ice cream floats for Christmas. She even brought us gifts.

Favorite Academy Program: I like being part of the school’s Ambassadors program because we are in charge of planning a fun activity on half days. For Advent, we made wreaths with a school family colors. (Most Holy Trinity’s family program brings students closer together at the school by having students from each grade in one family. The families spend time together, like reading together, and compete against other families, like kickball tournaments.

Hobbies: I like to play basketball, football, and baseball. I think baseball is my favorite because I am closer to the players on my team.

Fondest Memory of School (So Far): In second grade we went on a field trip to St. Nicholas Skating Rink. We went skating, had pizza, and it was just a good time, even though we fell a lot!

What are you looking Forward To in High School and Why: I liked shadowing the high schools. I felt De Smet was the best fit for me because I have friends there, and they have a great sports program and a wide variety of clubs.

Future High School: De Smet Jesuit High School

Role Model: My role model is my big brother, Kel, because he is very nice. He has done a lot for my family and is currently attending the University of Texas- San Antonio.